Page 2 - Demo
P. 2


                                    2 | Page February 7 I ssueare some concerns about recording and streaming of meetings that KAC has been talking to legislators about, but the core of the bill is good.While SB 70 is generally good, HB 2134, which would prohibit some charges under KORA while limiting staff time charges, presents some problems. This bill would artificially restrict fees charged under KORA, which would result in counties passing those fees on to taxpayers instead. KAC opposed this bill on those grounds, but is working with LKM and KASB on amendments in case this bill gets momentum.SB 19, which limits the KDHE secretary powers of isolation and quarantine, as well as creating a cause of action against employers, and SB 29 which would limit both KDHE and local health departments%u2019 public health functions, were heard in Senate Public Health and Welfare this week. KAC opposed both bills. SB 19 creates potential liability for employers, including counties as a result of the cause of action. SB 29 could potentially strip powers from the local health officer, as well as the KDHE secretary. It would also create a cause of action. KAC opposed both of these bills due to the cause of action, as well as the limitation in health officer authority to carry out their job duties.KAC also testified in opposition to SB 57, which would require cities, counties and the state to pay entities utilizing the public right-of-way to move their facilities for road projects, had a hearing in Senate Utilities. It is important to note that while this bill deals with right-of-way, it was not heard in Transportation. When bills like this are referred to committees that do not regularly deal with the specific subject matter, it often requires additional background for the committee, as well as more contact to make sure the committee does not misunderstand the bill or its implications. KAC would ask that Road and Bridge Supervisors contact committee members to be sure they understand how road projects are funded and what restrictions exist for Federally funded projects.KAC supports HB 2005, the Veterans Valor income tax credit. This bill has been around for a few years, and seems to get caught lumped in with unrelated tax bills every session. The core of the bill would give an income tax credit to disabled veterans for their property taxes. Local governments would still receive their payments, but an income tax credit would be granted to the payor. SB 73, which would change the date by which tax statements need to be mailed, had a hearing in Senate Assessment and Taxation. There may be a follow-up to this hearing to discuss other potential date issues in the budget, appraisal and tax notice calendar. The hearing for SB 83, which would allow nonresidents to vote in city elections, was cancelled. It has not been rescheduled at this time. KAC submitted written testimony against HB 2101, which would prohibit cities and counties from enacting a guaranteed income program on the basis of this bill restricting local control authority. Additionally, KAC is not aware of any counties that are currently offering or considering offering a guaranteed income program. The City of Topeka introduced HB 2099, which would allow periodic inspections by city or county officials for code violations of private residential rental property if that property owner is receiving government rental subsidies. This bill would restore authority that was eliminated several years ago.KAC supports this legislation because it gives the option without requiring that counties do these inspections.KAC continues to monitor both SB 37 and HB 2025, which would eliminate the three mile extra territorial jurisdiction area around cities. KAC is requesting an interim to study this issue and find the 
                                
   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10